Chandrayaan-3 sends first Scientific Data from Moon's South Pole

• Image Credit: Google

• Aug 27, 2023 | Guriya Khatun

ISRO said on X (previously
Twitter) that the Pragyan rover was exploring Shiv Shakti Point in search of
lunar secrets at the South Pole.

Digital Desk: Several days after the Chandrayaan-3
spacecraft touched down on the Moon's South Pole, the Pragyan rover has sent
data displaying the temperature profile of the lunar surface at various depths
of the South Pole. Chandrayaan-3 sent its initial observations from the Vikram
lander's Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) instrument on
Sunday.

To better understand
the thermal behaviour of the moon's surface, ChaSTE measures the temperature
profile of the topsoil surrounding the pole. According to the Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO), "it has a temperature probe equipped with a
controlled penetration mechanism capable of reaching a depth of 10 cm below the
surface."

In a tweet, ISRO said
that the probe is fitted with 10 individual temperature sensors. The tweet had
a graph that illustrates “the temperature variations of the lunar
surface/near-surface at various depths, as recorded during the probe's
penetration".

The Pragyan rover has
so far sent several films showing its moon landing and initial walk, which left
a trail of tracks. The space agency published a video on Saturday that showed
the Pragyan rover exploring the area near Shiv Shakti Point, the landing
location of the Vikram lunar lander.

ISRO said on X
(previously Twitter) that the Pragyan rover was exploring Shiv Shakti Point in
search of lunar secrets at the South Pole.

In the meantime, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi stated in the most recent episode of his monthly radio
programme, "Mann Ki Baat," on Sunday that project
"Chandrayaan-3" has emerged as the emblem of a "New India"
that aspires to triumph in any situation.

"On August 23,
our Chandrayaan-3 mission gave the entire world solid proof that the dawn of
revolution and resolve can also illuminate the dark side of the moon. A new
India's spirit and symbol are now Mission Chandrayaan. India is a country that
strives for victory at all costs. No matter the situation, it aspires to break
new ground," stated PM Modi.